That's a misconception; cockroaches do exist in Europe, especially German cockroaches, but they thrive indoors due to human transport and heating, not native outdoor populations, as most species can't survive cold European winters, with some hardy types like Oriental cockroaches appearing near bins. Their spread to Europe and globally was via trade and colonization, becoming pests in heated homes and cities rather than thriving wild in nature.
German cockroaches experienced another geographic leap when, about 390 years ago, colonial activities kicked into overdrive and the roaches found their way to Europe and, later, the rest of the world—thanks to improvements in transportation, the reach of European trade, and the advent of household heating, which allows ...
Cockroaches don't generally like the British climate and so you mostly find them indoors. Some species are hardier and may be found outside, for example, the Oriental cockroach.
Lots of things. Pesticides, flea treatments on pets, sewage and medications polluting watercourses, urban development and more areas with roads/paving/decking/artificial turf that is reducing space for insects to feed and breed, increasingly extreme climatic conditions. drying out or submerging breeding sites.
Cockroaches in residential buildings and restaurants are causing unrest in Italy. In cities like Rome, there are currently increasing reports of a massive spread of the American cockroach. This type of cockroach, which can grow up to five centimeters long, is considered particularly resilient – and a health hazard.
A mass depopulation of cockroaches has been observed since the beginning of the 21st century in Russia and other countries of the former USSR. Observers have noted a rapid disappearance of various types of cockroaches from cities and towns in Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Moldova, and Belarus.
You shouldn't squish a cockroach because it spreads harmful bacteria, releases pheromones that attract more roaches, and creates a messy, smelly stain, potentially triggering allergies or asthma, with better, cleaner options like traps or professional pest control available for proper management.
Growth is sluggish, productivity is low, debt rising. And when it comes to new engines of growth – big tech, AI, electric cars, Europe is slipping behind both the US and China. In 1980, Europe accounted for nearly a third of world GDP, but today, it has been overtaken by China.
The 2023 Paris bedbug outbreak was a local infestation of bedbugs that took place in the French capital in the latter half of 2023.
Roaches hate strong, pungent smells that disrupt their senses, like peppermint oil, eucalyptus, citronella, lavender, citrus (lemon/orange), bay leaves, and coffee grounds, with essential oils and spices being common deterrents that overpower their antennae, though these usually require professional extermination for serious infestations.
Liquid Dish Soap and Water Spray: A mixture of dish soap and water suffocates cockroaches by clogging their breathing pores. Spray this solution directly on roaches to kill them instantly and keep your home pest-free.
German and Oriental Cockroaches are the two you're most likely to find in Ireland, but American Cockroaches also appear where indoor temperatures are warm.
The Traditional Chinese Medicine industry and cosmetic companies are primary purchasers of the insect. Cockroaches are a cheap source of protein, and, like other insects, are proposed as an alternative to the meat industry. Cosmetic companies value the cellulose-like quality of cockroach wings.
Distribution and habitat
In North America, 50 species separated into five families are found throughout the continent. 450 species are found in Australia. Only about four widespread species are commonly regarded as pests.
We confirm that B. germanica evolved from the Asian cockroach Blattella asahinai approximately 2,100 ya, probably by adapting to human settlements in India or Myanmar.
Despite having the highest GDP growth rate in Europe, Moldova is among its poorest states, and also has Europe's smallest GDP per capita.
President Donald Trump has argued in favor of a weaker dollar, which can make American exports more competitive overseas. But more inflation would eat away at those benefits, Mallaby said, because it would raise production costs here at home.
The United Kingdom has seen one of the largest millionaire exodus movements in recent years, with an estimated 9,500 millionaires leaving in 2025 alone, according to recent UK wealthy emigration statistics.
Iceland is indeed known for being one of the few places on Earth where mosquitoes are absent. The country's harsh and unpredictable climate, characterized by sudden temperature changes and lack of standing water, makes it an inhospitable environment for mosquitoes to survive and breed.
Don't worry; there are no snakes in Iceland. This is one of those great trivia facts about Iceland that always surprises people. The climate is too cold for those cold-blooded snakes (no pun intended).
Australia leads the world in its number of resident venomous spiders as well as the strength of their toxicity. However, of almost 9,800 species (only about 3,100 species are named) of spiders in 70 families throughout the country, most are perfectly harmless.
Dependence on Water. Of all their needs, a cockroach's reliance on water is perhaps its most significant vulnerability. While a cockroach can live for up to a month without food, it can only survive for about a week without water. This makes moisture control a critical component of any effective pest control plan.
When a cockroach is squished or crushed, it releases a substance called oleic acid, which can attract other cockroaches to the area.
You can significantly reduce or eliminate roaches through a combination of extreme sanitation, moisture control, and effective treatments like baits, powders (boric acid/diatomaceous earth), and growth regulators, but 100% elimination, especially in large infestations or multi-unit buildings, often requires professional pest control because they reproduce rapidly and hide well. The key is denying them food, water, and shelter, using targeted products like gel baits to kill the colony, and sealing entry points.